Trusses

Truss Bridges

Truss Basics – Overview

A metal truss bridge is a bridge whose main structure comes from a triangular framework of structural steel or iron.

Iron and Steel

Truss Basics – Forms of Metal

Due to their variety of designs, there is a system that is used to classify metal truss bridges by design.

Truss Basics

If the trusses run beside the deck, with no cross bracing above the deck, it is called a pony truss bridge.

If cross-bracing is present above the deck of the bridge, then the bridge is referred to as a “through truss.”

Pony Truss

Through Truss

Truss Basics

Trusses may run under the deck: these are called simply Deck truss bridges.

Deck Truss

The different parts of a truss bridge are all named. Some of the parts:

Top / Upper Chord Vertical (Member)

Diagonal (Member)

Bottom / Lower Chord

Portal Bracing

Sway Bracing

Lateral Bracing

Floor beam Connections

End Post

Each space between vertical members and end posts is one panel. This bridge has six panels.

Truss Bridge Parts

Hip Vertical (Only the verticals that meet the top of the end post)

The chords and members of a truss bridge experience strain in the form of tension (stretching apart) and

compression (squeezing together). Engineers often picked different types of materials and designs for the different parts of a bridge based on these forces. An

example is shown above.

Truss Bridge Forces

Tension

Compression

Truss Bridge Connections

The pieces of the framework of a truss bridge are held together by connections. Most connections on historic

bridges are either riveted or pinned.

Pinned Connections

Pinned connections can be identified by the bolt-like object called a pin going through the loops of the

members. They tend to show up on bridges from the first half of the truss bridge era.

Pin

Riveted Connections

Riveted connections are identified by a “gusset plate” which diagonals and vertical members are riveted to,

and no pin is present. These connections tend to show up in the second half of the truss bridge era.

Truss Configurations

Pratt

Overview: One of the two most common configurations, it tends to occupy the earlier half of the truss bridge era, but was used throughout. Originally developed by Thomas and Caleb Pratt in 1844.

Appearance: Diagonal members angle toward the center and bottom of bridge.

Truss Configurations

Pratt – Additional Notes

The Pratt may have additional diagonal members, sometimes of a smaller size, that do not follow the

standard pattern to form an “X” shape on panels toward the center.

Truss Configs – Pratt Notes

Truss Configurations

Whipple

Overview: The Whipple truss is also known as the double-intersection Pratt truss. It was patented by Squire Whipple in 1847 as a stronger version of the Pratt truss.

Appearance: Similar to the Pratt truss, but the diagonals pass through one vertical member before reaching the bottom chord. They tend to show up on longer spans built in the first half of the truss era, and with pinned connections.

Truss Configurations

Baltimore

Overview: The Baltimore railroad designed a truss configuration that eventually found use on both railroads and highways. It is a Pratt truss with additional members added for additional strength.

Appearance: Characterized by a Pratt configuration with extra smaller members branching off of the diagonals.

Truss Configurations

ParkerOverview: Charles H. Parker modified the Pratt design to create what became known as the Parker truss configuration. This design allowed one to use less materials to get the a similar load capacity. The downside was the more complex design.Appearance: Characterized by an arch-shaped (polygonal) top chord, with diagonals that follow the Pratt configuration.

Truss Configurations

Pennsylvania

Overview: Sometimes called the Petit truss. Designed by the Pennsylvania railroad, this configuration combines the engineering ideas behind the Baltimore with those of the Parker or Camelback.

Appearance: Features an arch-shaped (polygonal) top chord with a diagonal arrangement like the Baltimore.

Truss Configurations

Warren

Appearance: Alternating diagonal members form a repeating “V” shape. A true Warren does not have vertical members.

Overview: The other most common truss configuration, this design tended to be used in the second half of the truss bridge era, and with riveted connections. Originally developed in 1848 by James Warren and Willoughby Monzoni.

Truss Configurations

Warren: With Verticals

Most Warren truss bridges do in fact feature vertical members. They may be referenced simply as “warren with verticals” truss

bridges. Vertical members may occur at each connection, or every other connection.

Truss Configurations

Double-Intersection Warren

Overview: Often called simply the Double Warren, this is an uncommon truss configuration. Bridges with this configuration often have riveted connections.Appearance: Looks like two Warren trusses offset and superimposed on each other, forming a repeating “X” shape.

Truss Configurations

Lenticular

Overview: One of the rarest bridge designs in the country. Patented by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company of East Berlin, CTAppearance: Both the top chord and bottom chord have an arched appearance, forming a distinctive oval or eye-like shape.

Your Turn!

Identify Truss Bridge TypesIn your groups, identify the 12 bridges. For each bridge, an overview and a connection for the bridge is shown. On a sheet of paper, record the bridge number you are looking at and list the following:

Truss Configuration. Do this for all photos first.

After you complete that, see if you can add the following information for each bridge.

Connection Type (Pinned or Riveted)

Truss Arrangement (Through, Pony, Deck)

Example:

1. Pratt, Pinned, Through

Teach Historic Bridges!

Conclusions: The Website

Many people are not even aware that bridges aside from covered bridges are even historic. The result is that other types of beautiful historic bridges are being demolished. Historic bridges can be worked into nearly every school subject. Please bring the beautiful world of historic bridges to your students!